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Hong Kong 2030+:

A Smart, Green and Resilient City Strategy

Planning Department
October 2016

HongKong
Hong Kong2030+
2030+ i
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Table of Contents

Preface ...............................................................................................................................................................................................iii

1. Significance of a Smart, Green and Resilient City ............................................................................................................................1

2. Smart, Green and Resilient Concepts ..............................................................................................................................................2

3. Current Major Smart, Green and Resilient Initiatives in Hong Kong .................................................................................................7

4. International Benchmarking ............................................................................................................................................................22

5. Key Issues for Promoting Smart, Green and Resilient City Development ......................................................................................24

6. Key Components of a Smart, Green and Resilient City ..................................................................................................................31

7. Future Directions ............................................................................................................................................................................62

8. Concluding Remarks ......................................................................................................................................................................74

73

Endnotes ............................................................................................................................................................................................75
72

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List of Figures
Figure 1 Boyd Cohen’s Smart City Wheel (Adapted)
Figure 2 Shatin Community Green Station
Figure 3 Flooding Problems Previously Experienced in Hong Kong
Figure 4 Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme
Figure 5 Zero Carbon Building
Figure 6 Hong Kong Science Park
Figure 7 Different Categories under the Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity
Figure 8 Projected Annual Number of Hot Nights, Very Hot Days and Cold Days in Hong Kong under the Medium-Low and High
Greenhouse Gas Concentration Scenarios
Figure 9 Urban Climatic Map
Figure 10 Iceberg Collection System
Figure 11 The New Headquarters of EMSD
Figure 12 General Smart, Green and Resilient City Framework for the Built Environment
Figure 13 Integrated Smart and Green Infrastructure System
Figure 14 Integrating SGR Initiatives into Major New Developments

Source: HK Tourism Board

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Preface
One of the major building blocks for achieving the vision and planning goal proposed under Hong Kong 2030+ is "creating
capacity for sustainable growth", and a key to it is to formulate a "smart, green and resilient city strategy" that permeates all
aspects of the built environment, from land use planning to transport infrastructure and buildings, for achieving a sustainable
and future-proofing city. In particular, it has been widely recognised that the Earth is getting warmer due to greenhouse gas
emission and climate change is a global challenge facing everyone, everywhere. Hong Kong is subject to the challenges of
limited land and resources, ageing building stock and infrastructure, environmental pollution and urban resilience issues such
as climate change and hazards. Under Hong Kong 2030+, we should formulate a smart, green and resilient (SGR) city
strategy which aims to minimise demand for and use of resources, reduce carbon emission, increase climatic resilience, and
enhance the quality and convenience of living and business. It is noted that currently there is a host of initiatives undertaken/
being implemented in Hong Kong and this paper serves to highlight some of the key concepts that are being developed in Hong
Kong, particularly those relevant to land use planning, transport, infrastructure and building development.

This topical paper constitutes part of the research series under “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy
Transcending 2030” (Hong Kong 2030+). The findings and proposals of the paper form the basis of the draft updated
territorial development strategy which is set out in the Public Engagement Booklet of Hong Kong 2030+.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF A SMART, GREEN AND RESILIENT CITY

1.1 Scarcity of resources and climate change are global challenges. There are opportunities for a high density city like Hong Kong to
pursue a resource efficient, a low-carbon and climatic resilient approach for achieving a sustainable future-proofing city.

1.2 With an aim to promoting low-carbon living and businesses, we should explore ways to capitalise on the technological
advancement, urban innovations and strategic planning opportunities to promote smart city development. The smart city
strategy is more than a mere application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), it also calls for smart and efficient
management of resources to promote a sustainable development and quality of life of the people. In line with the global trend,
instead of submitting to a “take-make-dispose” linear economy, Hong Kong is aspiring to create a circular economy whereby
resources could become restorative and regenerative for beneficial uses to promote smart use of resources and to minimise
waste. This is also conducive to branding Hong Kong as a sustainable global city.

1.3 As a city, Hong Kong should also be environmentally responsible. Noting that buildings and vehicles are the main sources of
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, we should strive to be a green city in stewardship of sustainable development.

1.4 Furthermore, with high concentration of people, buildings and infrastructure, urban areas are more susceptible to the adverse
impacts of climate change and hazards. Hence, a planning strategy for building a resilient city should be developed to ensure
that Hong Kong will be more well-prepared and will remain functional with minimal disturbance in any natural or manmade
disasters that may occur.

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SMART, GREEN AND RESILIENT CONCEPTS

2.1 Contemporary paradigms of urban development to

address the inter-relationship among people, environment
and nature have been established and a plethora of terms
have been developed around the concepts of SGR city.
These different terminologies represent variation in the
conceptual understanding of different stakeholders and
interest groups spanning across different sectors in
pursuing the future development of our city. Many of these
terms are not mutually exclusive and most often
overlapping and complementary with each other. Above all,
to better understand the relevancy of these concepts to
our city, it is important to understand and take into account
the existing context, both at global and local levels.

2.2 The following section aims to provide a brief overview of

the SGR concepts that are commonly cited though they
are not exhaustive.

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SMART CITY
2.3 Conventionally, a “smart city” refers to a city that utilises
ICT to make its components, infrastructure, utilities and
services more efficient and interactive with the people.

2.4 A wider definition of “Smart City” extends from a purely

technocentric concept to a concept that underpins urban
performance in economic and social development.
Caragliu et al. (2011) suggested that a city is smart “when
investments in human and social capital and traditional
and modern communication infrastructure fuel sustainable
economic growth and a high quality life, with wise
management of natural resources; through participatory
governance” 1.

2.5 Boyd Cohen, a smart city expert, has developed a holistic

framework viz. Smart City Wheel to further delineate the
components of a Smart City. A total of six components for
Smart City can be found in the Smart City Wheel, viz.
Smart Economy, Smart Environment, Smart Government,
Smart Living, Smart Mobility and Smart People 2.
2
Figure 1 Boyd Cohen’s Smart City Wheel (Adapted)

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GREEN CITY

2.6 A “green city” refers to a city that is environmentally

friendly and “strives to lessen its environmental impact by
reducing waste, tumbling emissions, fostering recycling,
expediting the use of renewable energy and boosting
housing density while expanding open space and
encouraging the development of sustainable local
business” 3. The term “Green City” also embraces the
essence of other similar concepts, namely “Eco-City” and
“Low-Carbon City”, which aim to reduce carbon footprint
whilst not compromising development potential.

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Inclusive: ensures the most vulnerable groups are included

RESILIENT CITY
by virtues of broad consultation and engagement.
2.7 A “resilient city” refers to a city that can reduce the damage
Integrated: various systems within a city should be
and risk incurred from disasters, accompanied with the
consistent in decision making and are mutually supportive
ability to bounce back to the stable state (The United
to each other.
Nations) 4. The Rockerfeller Foundation, an organisation
pioneering work on climatic resilience, defines seven
qualities of which a resilient city should possess 5 :

Reflective: the system should recognise and accept the

ever-changing circumstances, and have mechanism for
continuous evolution.

Robust: the system should be well-constructed to

withstand a hazard event without significant damage.

Redundant: the spare capacity within a system for

accommodation of pressures or disruption when
necessary.

Flexible: the ability to evolve and adapt in response to the

changing circumstances.

Resourceful: people and institutions are aware of the

various ways to meet their needs during a hazardous
event.

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2.8 Our major goal in developing a SGR city framework for 2.9 As Hong Kong is moving towards a knowledge-based
Hong Kong is to create capacity in terms of developable economy with innovation and technology envisaged to be
land, transport and infrastructure provision and the the key drivers in the global economic development, it is
environment, and make available this capacity in a important to provide a conducive environment to promote
sustainable manner. To achieve sustainable and close collaboration among the government, private sectors
future-proofing, we need to take care of the needs of and industries, academia, research institutions and the
people, environment and nature. Such strategy should public to foster the innovative capacity of our city.
permeate all levels of development, and our focus will be
on a smart, green and resilient built environment.

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CURRENT MAJOR SMART, GREEN AND RESILIENT INITIATIVES IN

HONG KONG
3.1 Government’s Policies and Initiatives: From a policy city and formulate the related digital framework and
and territorial level, the Government has been taking standards. Our objectives for developing Hong Kong into a
proactive steps in promoting SGR city development in smart city are to:
Hong Kong. For example, the Central Policy Unit (CPU) 6
 make use of innovation and technology to address
has conducted a research on smart city. The Environment
urban challenges to enhance city planning, operation
Bureau (ENB) (in collaboration with other bureaux) has
and management to improve quality of life, and to
published various plans including "A Clean Air Plan for
improve sustainability, efficiency and safety of our city;
Hong Kong" 7, "Hong Kong Blueprint for Sustainable Use
of Resources 2013-2022" 8, "A Food Waste and Yard  enhance city attractiveness to global business and
Waste Plan for Hong Kong 2014-2022" 9, and "Energy talents; and
Saving Plan for Hong Kong's Built Environment
 inspire continuous city innovation and sustainable
2015~2025+" 10, and "Climate Change Report" 11. The
economic development.
Government will also issue the “Biodiversity Strategy and
Action Plan” and “Climate Action Plan” in due course. As 
for this topical paper, the focus is on those aspects relating
to land use planning, mobility and infrastructure in the built
environment.

3.2 The 2016 Policy Address re-affirmed the Government’s

commitment to building Hong Kong as a smart city and the
Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB) will, in
collaboration with research institutions and public and
private organisations, study the development of a smart

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3.3 Smart City Blueprint: To map out a territory-wide eTransport”, “Hong Kong eRouting” and “eTraffic News”,
blueprint for building Hong Kong into a smart city, the etc) under two major areas, namely ”Smart Way to Travel”
Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and “Smart Way for Safety and Efficiency” 6. Moreover, to
(OGCIO) has commissioned a consultancy to formulate a cater for the needs of ageing population, TD is currently
Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong in mid-2017. investigating the feasibility of installing smart devices at
signalised crossings for extending the pedestrian crossing
3.4 Our robust ICT infrastructure, coupled with Hong Kong
time for the elderly. The Housing Department has also
people’s readiness to use technology, provides a
utilised ICT, for instance in tree management.
favourable environment for Hong Kong to take further
strides as a smart city. The Planning Department also 3.6 Moreover, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
uses ICT when carrying out planning tasks, including data has been launching different Mobile Apps, including
collection and analysis, information sharing, as well as “Waste Less”, which provides information on the locations
providing a platform for engaging the community of the recyclable collection points in public places all over
interactively and effectively in various stages of the the territory 12 and “Hong Kong Air Quality Health Index”.
planning process. Moreover, the territory-wide survey for
broad land use classification and update of Land
Utilisation Map in Hong Kong, using satellite images and
GIS, provides an annual update on the land use situation
in Hong Kong. The Geoinfo One Stop 2 (GOS2) helps
disseminate information and planning proposals, and the
Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) facilitates public
engagement on planning and development proposals.

3.5 ICT has also been used in promoting smart mobility and
providing environmental information. For example, the
Transport Department (TD) has been implementing the
Intelligent Transport Systems (including “Hong Kong

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3.7 Green and Low Carbon Initiatives: Energy generation 3.8 Apart from promoting the use of clean energy sources,
accounts for around 68% of our total carbon emission. In EPD is endeavouring to promote green living as part of
order to promote the use of clean energy in a more everyday life. By setting up community green stations in
comprehensive manner, ENB is planning to: each of the Hong Kong’s 18 districts, EPD is working
towards nurturing a “Use Less, Waste Less” culture in
 increase the percentage of local gas generation to
Hong Kong through promoting the waste reduction at
around 50% of the total fuel mix in 2020 and subject to
source and the collection of recyclables within the
a reasonable import price, maintain the current interim
community 13.
measure to import 80% of the nuclear output from the
Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station, such that nuclear
import would account for around 25% of the total fuel
mix in 2020;

 include distributed renewable energy subject to public

views on the tariff implications, develop more
renewable energy;

 enhance our efforts in promoting energy saving in the

community and adopting more demand-side
management measures to reduce the overall demand;
and

 meet the remaining demand for electricity by

Figure 2 Shatin Community Green Station
coal-fired generation.
Source:
http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/environment/html/2015/05/201505
11_140256.shtml

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3.9 Moreover, the “Food Wise Hong Kong Campaign”, a for the collection of around 2,300 tonnes of surplus food in
territory-wide food waste reduction campaign, was two years, and donation to 1.9 million headcounts. ECF
launched by the Government in May 2013 to help address will continue support suitable surplus food recovery
the imminent waste problem in Hong Kong. The projects.
campaign aims to promote public awareness of food waste
3.10 The transport sector is another sector which contributes
problems in Hong Kong and instill behavioural changes in
significantly to carbon emission and it accounts for about
various sectors of the community (including commercial
17% of our total GHG emissions. In promoting green
and industrial establishments) and at the individual and
transport in new development areas (NDAs), the notion of
household levels, with a view to reducing food waste
transit-oriented development, complemented by walking
generation. As of October 2016, over 620 organisations
and cycling, has been underscored in planning the Kwu
have signed the Food Wise Charter and joined hands to
Tung North (KTN) and Hung Shui Kiu (HSK) NDAs. Over
reduce food waste for the community. The Government
80% of the new population in the KTN NDA will reside
also launched the “Food Wise Eateries Scheme” in
within 500m of the proposed railway station/public
November 2015 and will continue to promote “Food Wise
transport interchange 14. For HSK NDA, a Green Transit
Eateries” to encourage the catering industry to provide
Corridor encompassing a rail-based or road-based
portioned food menu to reduce food waste. The
environmentally-friendly transport services, pedestrian
Government has also strengthened the support to the
walkways and cycle tracks connecting the residential
NGOs in collecting edible surplus or close-to-expire foods
clusters with employment nodes, railway stations and key
from the commercial sectors like supermarkets, wet
community facilities are proposed. Within the NDA, the
markets, restaurants, clubs and hotels for donation to the
majority of the new population and employment will be
needy in the community. Since July 2014, the
within walking distance of a public transport node 15.
Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) has been
funding non-profit making organisations in carrying out
projects to recover surplus food for distribution in the
community. As of October 2016, a total of 20 such projects
were approved with funding support of about $32 million

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3.11 Moreover, under the current policy, for new towns in the scheme in the nine new towns (including Tsuen Wan, Sha
New Territories or NDAs, where traffic density is relatively Tin, Tuen Mun, Tai Po, Fanling/Sheung Shui, Yuen Long,
low, there is more scope to accommodate cycle tracks and Tin Shui Wai, Tseung Kwan O and Tung Chung). The
ancillary facilities to enable the public to cycle safely for study will also review a list of bicycle prohibition zones on
recreational purposes and short distance travels i. In this public roads to assess whether they can be lifted or should
connection, the Government has embarked on a series of be maintained. The study is expected to be completed in
improvement packages to further enhance cycling safety 2017.
and a cycle-friendly environment in the New Territories,
including replacing the metal speed reduction bollards by
collapsible plastic bollards, providing warning traffic signs
and road markings ahead of cycle down-ramps, pedestrian
crossing points, etc.

3.12 To promote a low carbon and bicycle friendly environment

in the rural areas, new towns and NDAs, the Government
has been developing new cycle track network, improving
existing cycle tracks and bicycle parking facilities and
strengthening publicity and education on cycling safety.
TD had launched a pilot scheme in Tai Po to identify and
try new improvement measures for cycle tracks and
bicycle parking facilities. Subsequently, TD has
commissioned a consultancy study to implement the new
improvement measures identified under the Tai Po pilot
i
In urban areas where road traffic is heavy and roads and footpaths are congested, it
is generally difficult and impracticable to provide extra space as segregated lanes for
cycling. Hence, bicycle use as a means of transport in the urban areas is not
encouraged under the prevailing policy.

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3.13 City Resilience Initiatives: In “Hong Kong in a Warming Structures in June 2013 for updating of the “Port Works
World (2016)” published by Hong Kong Observatory Design Manual”. Subsequently, another review to update
(HKO)16, climate change in Hong Kong has been the findings of IPCC’s AR5 has been undertaken and will
comprehensively analysed. In terms of enhancing the soon be completed by CEDD.
resilience of the city against extreme weather conditions,
different bureaux/ departments have carried out various
initiatives and policies, as highlighted below:

3.14 About 15% of Hong Kong’s total land area is below mean
sea level, and parts of these areas are paved and densely
populated. Coastal flooding may occur during severe
rainstorms, storm surges and certain high tide conditions.
Coastal flooding may also arise because of ground
settlement and subsidence. Under the influence of climate
change and rise in sea level, the frequency of occurrence
of extreme sea level events and coastal flooding will likely
increase. To understand the potential implications of
climate change on coastal structure in Hong Kong and to
ascertain necessary updating of the current design
standards, the HKO completed the projection of the mean
sea level in Hong Kong in the 21st century 17 based on the
“Fifth Assessment Report” (AR5) of the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Civil
Engineering and Development Department (CEDD)
completed a study on Review of Studies on Climate
Change and its Implications on the Design of Coastal Figure 3 Flooding Problems Previously Experienced in Hong Kong
Source: DSD (Flooding Problem in Northern Hong Kong Island)

http://www.dsd.gov.hk/others/HKWDT/eng/background.html
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3.15 Moreover, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) has Tak River improvement works. The project not only
progressively completed “Drainage Master Plan” (DMP) upgrades the drainage capacity of the river but also
studies covering all the flood prone areas in the whole revitalises the river channel to integrate with
territory. As a result of the drainage improvement works redevelopment landscape to provide a leisure environment
derived from DMP as well as improving flood control for public enjoyment.
management, DSD has brought the number of flooding
blackspots from 90 nos. in 1995 to 10 nos. in 2015 18. DSD
is also utilising real-time sensor to facilitate drainage
operations. For instance, real-time water level sensors are
installed at the Happy Valley Underground Stormwater
Storage Scheme which helps to control the weir crest level
to ensure that the filling of the storage tank would start at
the most optimal time to prevent premature or late overspill
of stormwater into the storage tank. Under this
arrangement, the design capacity of the storage tank can
be reduced by as much as 30% and ultimately helps
achieve sustainable development by minimising the
amount of excavation for construction and thus the total
construction time 19. For implementing the flood preventive
measures, the Government is also taking active steps in
promoting revitalisation of water bodies, such as the Kai Figure 4 Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme
Source: DSD (HVUSS) - http://hvusss.eksx.com/index.php

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3.16 In addition, DSD, HKO and Home Affairs Department 3.17 With over 60% of Hong Kong being hilly terrain and
(HAD) have jointly established early storm surge alert summer monsoon /tropical cyclones bringing intensive and
systems for some low-lying areas prone to sea flooding. prolonged rainfall, Hong Kong is also susceptible to
HKO will issue storm surge alert message to DSD and landslip hazards. In this regard, CEDD has been
HAD and other relevant government departments when developing a new strategy for managing landslide
the sea levels are forecast to reach the trigger levels at emergency, in partnership with other government
respective locations. Upon receipt of the alert, DSD will departments. Part of the strategy is to set up public
arrange mitigation measures, if necessary, based on the education and communication to enhance community
local need to alleviate the impact of flooding to the local resilience against extreme hazards 20. The Landslip
residents, and HAD will inform relevant representatives so Warning System that combines rainfall forecast from HKO
that residents can take proper preventive measures 11. and instant prediction of landslide occurrence by means of
computer algorithm helps enable continuous surveillance
for timely issue of warning to the public. The Government
has also taken active measures to minimise landslip risk.
The Geotechnical Engineering Office of CEDD has
improved more than 11,000 high risk slopes within the
territory since its establishment in the 1970s 21.

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3.18 To safeguard water security in Hong Kong, we need to guidelines on massing, height profile, street orientation,
develop the resilient water resource by seawater etc. Moreover, since 2006, all major Government projects
desalination which is not susceptible to climate need to carry out air ventilation assessments so that the
change. The Water Supplies Department (WSD) is impact of the proposed developments on the pedestrian
implementing the proposed seawater desalination plant wind environment can be mitigated and improved. Moving
using reverse osmosis technology in Tseung Kwan O. The a step further, Urban Climatic Map and other associated
first stage of the desalination plant will have a water recommended measures could provide strategic and
production capacity of 135 000 m3 per day with provision broad practical guidelines to improve the urban thermal
for future expansion to the ultimate capacity up to comfort and wind environment through optimising the
270 000 m3 per day to meet about 5% (10% if expanded) planning and design of our city as well as identifying urban
of Hong Kong's fresh water demand. climatically valuable areas and problematic areas. In
planning for NDAs, air ventilation in addition to other
planning and engineering considerations are reflected in
3.19 The promulgation of “Sustainable Building Design
the conscious planning decision for low-carbon
Guidelines” and efforts to promote greening or skyrise
developments including the initiatives and measures to
greenery by various bureaux / departments are also some
maintain and create wind corridors or breezeways,
of the government actions to promote sustainable
promote tree planting and greening, and adopt
environment and help ameliorate urban heat island effect.
environmentally friendly transportation and integrated
In addition, to combat “urban heat island” effect and
green infrastructure systems.
enhance the sustainability of our built environment, the
“Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines” (HKPSG)
help promote good urban design practices by providing

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PILOT PROJECT IN KOWLOON EAST

Energizing Kowloon East Office (EKEO) is currently tasked to Under one of the focuses of the latest Conceptual Master Plan
undertake a study entitled “Developing Kowloon East into a 4.0 - the Walkable Kowloon East initiative, proposals are
Smart City District – Feasibility Study”. It aims to review and progressively implemented to improve connectivity and
evaluate existing and planned smart city initiatives and explore enhance the pedestrian environment. Kai Tak Office is also
ways in consolidating various initiatives in a coordinated manner studying better connection between major spots in the districts
for Kowloon East. The Stage 1 public engagement activities by means of an Environmentally Friendly Linkage System.
are to be launched in November 2016.

EKEO’s Conceptual Master Plan 4.0

Source: Energizing Kowloon East Office, Development Bureau

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SGR MEASURES UNDERTAKEN AT THE ANDERSON ROAD QUARRY REDEVELOPMENT

Infiltration Channel (Bio-retention Swales)
Infiltration channels are proposed to be built on some
pedestrian footways at the Anderson Road Quarry
Redevelopment. These channels can remove pollutants and
separate harmful petrochemicals and sediments from the
surface runoff, hence improving the quality of the collected
stormwater to be discharged.

Porous Pavement
Permeable surface design will be adopted for the footway
pavement. This type of footway surface could avoid ponding of
surface water and prevent pedestrians from slipping. In addition,
the design of permeable footway surface can also help reduce
ground surface temperature. Anderson Road Quarry
Source: ARQ’s Public Engagement Digest (September 2011)

Carriageway Footpath Footpath Footpath

Filter Layer
Filter Layer Drainage Layer
Drainage Layer

Typical Cross Section of Roadside Infiltration Channel Typical Longitudinal Section of Roadside Infiltration Channel
Source: Civil Engineering and Development Department Source: Civil Engineering and Development Department

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SGR MEASURES UNDERTAKEN AT THE ANDERSON ROAD QUARRY DEVELOPMENT

Artificial Flood Lake
The design concept of the flood attenuation lake is to revitalise
water bodies in planning drainage networks so as to build a
better environment for the public. The flood lake itself is
purposely designed for public enjoyment during fine weather
days, but would function as a flood attenuation facility for
temporary storage of stormwater during extreme weather days
to minimise the risk of downstream flooding. Apart from the
beautiful scenery and fully utilised water resources, the central
artificial island of the artificial flood lake may provide potential
habitats for waterbirds. Artificial Flood Lake
Source: Civil Engineering and Development Department

SGR MEASURES UNDERTAKEN AT THE FANLING NORTH AND KWU TUNG NORTH NDAs
Treated Sewage Effluent Reuse System
To cope with the needs of the NDAs, the treatment capacity of
the existing sewage treatment works will be increased. The
sewage treatment standard will also be upgraded to tertiary
level and the tertiary treated sewage effluent after an additional
simple process of chlorination can be reused for non-portable
purposes, including toilet flushing. This helps conserve water
and reduce the amount of treated sewage effluent as well as
pollutant load to be discharged into the Deep Bay.
Treated Sewage Effluent Reuse System
Source: Civil Engineering and Development Department

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3.20 Other Initiatives: Other semi-public and private sector Sustainable Buildings
have also played a part in promoting a smart, green and 3.22 To promote sustainable living, Zero Carbon Building (ZCB)
resilient city. The following are some examples: was jointly developed by the Construction Industry Council
and the Government to showcase state-of-the-art green
Mobility and Transport designs and technologies in the construction industry both
3.21 The Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL) internationally and locally. ZCB is designed to use
has launched the MTR Mobile Application (app) to provide renewable energy sources, including bio-diesel for
updates of its train schedule. This app facilitates train tri-generation and solar panels, to achieve beyond zero
users to plan their journeys in advance, and simply by net carbon emission and demonstrates the concept of
choosing the departing station. It also provides arrival “positive-energy building” in Hong Kong 25.
time information for the next four trains 22. Similar
applications are also developed by other transport
operators or app providers, such as the Kowloon Motor
Bus, which provides real-time bus arrival information at
bus stops 23. The potential of car sharing platforms and
apps to facilitate drivers in finding their best driving routes
and parking spaces are also being explored by companies
in Hong Kong 24.

Figure 5 Zero Carbon Building

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3.23 For the high-tech research and development sector, the HKGBC has recently launched the HK3030 Campaign, an
Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation initiative to curb electricity consumption of buildings in
(HKSTPC) is also making its mark on Hong Kong’s Hong Kong by 30% by 2030 28.
construction industry. HKSTPC is helping to cultivate a
green culture shift amongst its Phase 3 tenants via its
“Green Lease”. Tenants in Phase 3 authorise HKSTPC to
connect a smart-meter to monitor their energy
consumption via the centralised building management
system which will create a detailed profile of each tenants’
energy consumption. Real time building performance will
be displayed, via an Energy Performance Monitoring
System to the public in each building’s foyer. This allows
tenants to make informed decision on their energy
consumptions and achieve saving from their own utility
bills.

3.24 Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) also strives

to promote sustainable buildings in Hong Kong through
promulgating industry standards and best practices as well
Figure 6 Hong Kong Science Park
as initiating research in green buildings 26. With a view to
reducing environmental impact of buildings while
maintaining and improving the quality of the built
environment and users’ satisfaction, BEAM Plus ii has
been adopted as an assessment tool for green buildings 27.

ii
HKGBC has also commissioned a feasibility study on BEAM Plus Neighborhood
Development with a view to developing a rating tool for assessing sustainable
neighborhood development which is currently under pilot testing.

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Sustainable Use of Food Resources CLP Power Hong Kong Limited has launched a pilot
3.25 In advocating the concept of green living, social scheme in 2013 involving 3,000 residential customers and
enterprises and non-government organisations in Hong 1,400 small and medium-sized business customers. The
Kong, such as the Friends of the Earth (FOE), Greeners use of advanced metering infrastructures enables
Action and the World Green Organisation (WGO), have consumption data collection and helps reduce demand
played active roles in promoting sustainable use of food peak 31.
resources. The “Waste No Food” campaign initiated by
Smart Use of Technology in Logistics
FOE aims to deepen people’s understandings on the
3.27 For the logistics sector, the Modern Terminal Limited, a
environmental consequences of food wastage and
company which handles 5.4 million Twenty Foot
encourages people to take action to treasure food in
Equivalent Units in 2014, has also made substantial
everyday’s life 29. Over 50 organisations have joined the
investments to reduce carbon emission by converting to
Food Donation Alliance initiated by FOE. To promote
hybrid and electric cranes, which emits 60% less carbon
similar objective, the food donation scheme initiated by the
dioxide than conventional diesel-powered cranes 32.
WGO hopes to encourage sustainable use of food
resources by collecting food surplus from local fresh food 3.28 Examples quoted above are not meant to be exhaustive.
markets distributes to those in need 30. They illustrate the numerous efforts and initiatives made
by various parties in pursuit of a smart, green and resilient
Smart Metering
Hong Kong.
3.26 To promote smart metering development, the two power
companies in Hong Kong have started to study and test
smart meters for general customers. In this regard, the

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Hong Kong 2030+ 21
 4 ``

INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKING

4.1 Hong Kong’s efforts in promoting smart, green and benchmarking exercise was discontinued in the following
resilient initiatives are recognised elsewhere in the world, year as only limited cities were able to participate due to
as reflected in a number of international benchmarking the complexity and time required to collect the relevant
indexes. Noting that benchmarking should not be taken in data 2.
earnest as different indicators may have different
Green City
assumptions, which cannot be compared directly and the
4.4 Green City Index was developed by the Economist
quality of data adopted may vary. International
Intelligence Unit in collaboration with Siemens to assess
benchmarking indexes, nonetheless, are useful as they
and compare cities in terms of their environmental
provide a bird’s eye view of the global positioning of Hong
performance. Indexes for various continents are provided
Kong and serve as reference to gauge the realms
and the Asian Green City Index (AGCI) measures the
requiring further improvement.
environmental performance of 22 major Asian cities across
4.2 The following section provides a brief overview of Hong a range of criteria, including energy and carbon emission,
Kong’s positioning in the three aspects of smart, green and transport, water, land use and buildings, waste, sanitation,
resilient city in the global context. air quality and environmental governance. Hong Kong
was ranked “above average” in the AGCI in year 2011. In
Smart City
particular, Hong Kong consistently ranked “above average’
4.3 In addition to deriving a “Smart City Wheel” as mentioned
in six out of the eight criteria and excelled in land use and
in section 2.5, Boyd Cohen has once published “The 10
building category, boosted by having one of the largest
Smartest Cities in Asia-Pacific” in 2013 33. Hong Kong was
amounts of green spaces in the Index achieved by
ranked fourth and he remarked that Hong Kong scored the
proactive policies towards conservation. Hong Kong’s
highest in its ranking for smart mobility because of the
performance in the water category was given an average
wide use of Octopus in public transport and other business
ranking mainly because its water consumption and water
sectors. Nevertheless, it was noted that the

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Hong Kong 2030+ 22
 ``

leakage level were relatively high 34.

Resilient City
4.5 By looking into the dimensions of vulnerability and
adaptive capacity, the Grosvenor Research Report
quantified the resilience performance of 50 cities in the
world 35.

4.6 According to the Grosvenor Report 35, the three most

resilient cities in the world were in Canada, namely
Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. Amongst the 50 cities,
Hong Kong had an overall ranking of 30. Comparing to
other Asian countries/cities, Hong Kong came after Tokyo
and Osaka but ranked before Singapore. Having said that,
Hong Kong was slightly behind Singapore in terms of Figure 7 Different Categories under the
vulnerability. The Grosvenor Report suggested that Hong Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity
35
Source: Grosvenor Resilient Cities Research Report (2014)
Kong was more vulnerable to and threatened by physical
events, such as sea level change and typhoon.

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Hong Kong 2030+ 23
 5 ``

KEY ISSUES FOR PROMOTING SMART, GREEN AND RESILIENT CITY

DEVELOPMENT
In the pursuit of SGR city development, various factors will need to be taken into account:

Scarcity of Resources Ageing Population and Infrastructure

5.1 Resources have limits and must be cherished. Land, 5.2 According to the latest projections of the Census and
nature, water, energy and other infrastructures, etc are Statistics Department, Hong Kong’s population will
precious resources for Hong Kong. Land is scarce and continue to grow in the next 30 years (albeit at a slower
land development takes time, hence we should use them rate). Our population will increase by 0.98 million from 7.24
in an optimal manner and minimise its demand. Likewise, million in 2014 to a peak of 8.22 million in 2043. At the
we should find ways to protect nature and the environment, same time, our population is ageing rapidly. Old aged
and promote water and energy saving, reduce travel population (i.e. aged 65 or above) will rise significantly
needs, adopt a low-carbon and sustainable lifestyle, and from 15% in 2014 to 33% in 2044, while the age cohort of
create a conductive environment for circular economy. 85 or above will increase more significantly by
approximately three folds from around 2.2% to 7.9% over
the same period 36. As such, planning for the built
environment should place more emphasis on diverse
age-friendly neighbourhoods. In more specific terms, an
ageing population will entail the provision of more
community, medical and residential care facilities and
adjustments to the urban and building design to create an
elderly-friendly built environment, such as barrier-free

24
Hong Kong 2030+ 24
 ``

urban infrastructure, suitably designed and equipped conclusive factor for redevelopment, older buildings are
housing for the elderly, recreational facilities for more more prone to building maintenance problems. Buildings in
leisure pursuits, etc. Some of these issues are dealt with Hong Kong are mainly constructed using reinforced
separately in other relevant topical papers of the Hong concrete with a general design life span of 50 years. There
Kong 2030+ Study. Smart city initiatives such as the use of is a general design working life of 120 years for
ICT can also help the elderly to age more independently infrastructures such as highways and railway bridges.
and safely. Hence, it is important that the conditions of these buildings
and infrastructure are properly maintained to ensure public
safety.

5.4 As Hong Kong is now facing more frequent severe

weather conditions, the physical stability of these older
buildings against extreme weather events should not be
neglected. In this regard, the Code of Practice on Wind
Effects in Hong Kong published in 2004 is now being
reviewed by the Buildings Department to update the wind
data and information taking into account new
circumstances, such as advancements in technological
and engineering in the collection of meteorological data,
methods of directional wind analysis, etc to make it cope
with the current practices adopted overseas. To further
promote sustainable development, there might be a need
5.3 Apart from ageing population, our city is also facing with to review the regulatory and maintenance regime of
the issue of ageing building stock and infrastructure. It is buildings in Hong Kong with a view to extending the life
estimated that about 326,000 private housing units will be span of building and infrastructure, and resilience to strong
aged 70 or above by 2046, which is nearly 300 times of winds, extreme weather and seismic activities, etc.
that in 2015. While building age is certainly not a

25
Hong Kong 2030+ 25
 ``

Climate Change and Hazards

5.5 The United Nation’s IPCC has found that the Earth’s meet housing and other needs may further increase
atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, the main driver development densities and building volume, thereby
of global climate change in the last century, has increased worsening the UHI effect. Hence, continuous efforts
by over 40% since pre-industrial times. The effects of should be made to adopt appropriate measures to improve
climate change have already emerged with Hong Kong urban climate and air ventilation in the long run.
experiencing higher temperatures, more frequent extreme
5.7 Moreover, Hong Kong is subject to the hazard of rising sea
rainfall and increasing number of annual very hot days.
levels with an average increase in sea level in Victoria
Promoting low-carbon living and businesses and reducing
Harbour of 30mm per decade during 1954-2015 38. There
emission of greenhouse gas are becoming obligatory
is an increasing risk of sea flooding associated with storm
rather than a matter of choice. In this regard, the Paris
surges caused by tropical cyclones. With the rise in mean
Agreement reached in December 2015 is a crucial step in
sea level, the effect of storm surges brought by typhoon
forging global efforts in combating climate change and
will be exacerbated 38. Extreme sea levels higher than
signifies the collaborative international commitment to
3.5mPD can cause serious flooding in some of the
control global warming and reduce greenhouse gas
low-lying areas along the coastlines of Hong Kong. For
emission. The Paris Agreement proposed to hold the
instance, Typhoon Hagupit caused serious flooding in Tai
increase in the global average temperate to well below
O in 2008 (reported to be the most serious in the past 60 to
2°C above the pre-industrial levels 37.
70 years) 39. This kind of event may become a recurrent
5.6 Like many other cities in the world that have high event by the end of this century.
development densities, Hong Kong suffers from urban
5.8 Hong Kong is also subject to extreme weather events, e.g.
heat island (UHI) effect, where temperatures are
extreme rainfall and high temperatures 40. The main
intensified at the dense urban core because heat is
climate change threats to hardware infrastructure are
trapped by buildings. Increasing development pressure to
damage and destruction associated with extreme weather

26
Hong Kong 2030+ 26
 ``

events, such as landslides, erosion, landscape

degradation, loss of habitats, tree failures, flooding and
storm surges. To increase Hong Kong’s response
capability in disasters and emergencies and to help adsorb
climate change-related stresses, it is important to
determine the type of defensive infrastructures that our city
would need, whether and where the existing infrastructure
would need to be relocated and in particular how to deal
with the more vulnerable parts of our city (such as the
coastal and low-lying areas) 11. Shared action and
cooperation at multiple levels engaging both public and
private sectors would help ensure the climate readiness of Figure 8 Projected Annual Number of Hot
Nights, Very Hot Days and Cold Days
Hong Kong in face of climate change. Hong Kong has in Hong Kong Under the Medium-Low and High
made significant investment in the past two decades to Greenhouse Gas Concentration Scenarios

cope with extreme weather events but further investment Source: Hong Kong Observatory – (Hong Kong in a Warming World) -
will be necessary in the coming decades. http://www.hko.gov.hk/climate_change/climate_change_e.pdf

27
Hong Kong 2030+ 27
 ``

Balancing Costs and Benefits

5.9 No doubt technology plays a key role in enabling cities to of both the short-term costs and long-term environmental
become more liveable, sustainable, and capable of and social benefits (including more efficient transport
responding to hazards. In fact, technology is advancing system, reduced medical expenses due to improvement in
very rapidly but technology alone will not make Hong Kong overall environmental conditions) which might not be easy
become a smart, green and resilient city. A conducive to quantify are taken into account in investment decisions.
environment for investments in both hardware and The traditional financial or economic assessments and
software, supported by clear policies and better financing mechanisms may not be adequate. Innovative
institutional mechanisms to bring different sectors together financial assessments and alternative financing
through greater coordination and communication, is mechanisms which combine both public and private funds
crucial. for the smart, green and resilient infrastructures should be
explored.
5.10 This is particularly true when pursuing smart, green and
resilient city development which involves substantial
investment. It is sometimes difficult to raise financial
resources to fund the start-ups and continuous
development of new projects. Hence, fiscal policy should
enable a variety of different financing mechanisms, and
investments should be appraised against longer timescale
to match the lifecycle of most infrastructures. Moreover,
in balancing the cost and benefits for a specific smart,
green and resilient measure, various factors including its
potential to save cost over a long period of time should be
taken into account. This would ensure that the full scope

28
Hong Kong 2030+ 28
 ``

29
Hong Kong 2030+ 29
 ``

Environmental Concerns and Health Issues

5.11 Human activities are often blamed for aggravating air important to formulate an evidence-based approach to
pollution that has in turn caused ill health and premature understand the complexity between our built environment
death. Air pollution is defined as “the contamination of the and health so as to systematically address such issues.
indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical
5.12 Other environmental and health related issues, such as
or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics
the availability of clean water and food security also affect
of the atmosphere” 41. Hong Kong, being a high density
the well-being of each and every individual of our city. For
city, is particularly susceptible to the impact of pollution,
instance, change in rainfall pattern and possibly in the
especially air pollution. Apart from general air quality, the
wider geographical area in Mainland China may affect
localised air condition in Hong Kong will also have
both local and regional water resources availability. Higher
substantial impact on health. While the Government has
temperature may affect water demand. Extreme weather
been making discernible improvement to the air quality, a
conditions may lead to loss of production and lower
smart, green and resilient city strategy for promoting air
availability of local or imported food products. Moreover,
ventilation in our built environment, and reducing road
high temperatures and more frequent and prolonged hot
transportation demand, etc can further improve the air
days due to climate change and urbanisation could also
quality. In order to strengthen our abilities to reduce air
increase the number of heat-related illness, such as
pollution which can save billions of dollars in future public
heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
health care spending, reduce missed work days and
school days, and minimise the discomfort and suffering
from preventable illness and premature death, it is

30
Hong Kong 2030+ 30
 6 ``

KEY COMPONENTS OF A SMART, GREEN AND RESILIENT CITY

The concepts of SGR city embrace many interrelated aspects. Together, they seek to provide sustainable living through
technological and innovative application, smart use of resources, robust city planning and low-carbon living and businesses . Those
aspects which have greater relevance to strategic planning and the built environment can be broadly grouped under three
components, viz. (i) sustainable land use planning and urban design, (ii) smart mobility, and (iii) integrated smart and green
infrastructure system. They are illustrated with reference to a number of overseas examples as food for thought.

SUSTAINABLE LAND USE PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN

Minimise Demand for and Use of Land Resources of brownfield sites to optimise existing land utilisation
42
6.1 Land, as the main production factor of cities, is limited . pattern; building up land reserve to meet future demand in
In major cities with high population densities, there are a timely manner; urban renewal; and land use review to
practical limits to further increasing urban density. The promote land use optimisation.
need to accommodate future development is a key driver
6.2 Underground and cavern development, in particular, is a
for cities to come up with creative and sustainable
key way of intensifying land uses in a three dimensional
approaches to development. The smart use of land
manner (See case studies - Singapore’s Common
resources in Hong Kong has been supported by compact
Services Tunnel at the Marina Bay and Montreal’s
high-density development. Apart from clustering
Underground City). It has become an increasingly
developments around the mass transit railway system,
important and strategic land source for Hong Kong.
some measures are already in place or being considered,
Numerous local and overseas examples demonstrate that
such as vertical integration of different facilities/mixed use
underground space/rock cavern development can be a
developments to reduce land take; better use of steeper
viable alternative, while yielding additional safety,
sloping grounds to increase developable area; better use
environmental and security benefits for many

31
Hong Kong 2030+ 31
 ``

applications43. By going underground, we can release for developing underground space. Having said that, while
surface land for alternative beneficial use and at the same the use of underground space is quite common in relation
time preserve the surface landscape, vegetation and to mass transit railway and associated underground retail
biodiversity by avoiding an “open-cut” option. It can also complexes, its application has largely been developed on
mitigate surface constraints on land acquisition and is a a project-by-project basis and not yet been applied to the
more effective mitigation measures against the possible formation of underground space as large scale as was
adverse impacts of unwelcome but essential public already common in some parts of the world45.
facilities44.
6.5 To fully capitalise on the merits in each unique
6.3 There are a variety of uses that have been developed in circumstances, cavern/ underground space developments
rock caverns which are mostly NIMBY should not simply be taken as an individual isolated
(Not-In-My-Back-Yard) type facilities. Many are confined to engineering project. It should also pay regard to the land
public facilities as the cavern options can usually serve use and urban design consideration in an integrated
dual purposes: to overcome the overriding circumstances planning process. The shared use/ leasing model of
that suitable surface sites are not available, and to “hide” cavern/ underground space for private sector usage could
essential NIMBY uses such as sewage treatment works also be explored. Moreover, public perception on the type
and refuse transfer stations. With technological of cavern/ underground space uses should be considered.
advancement, it has become evident that caverns can be For example, cavern/ underground spaces might better be
utilised for other applications, including data centres and used to accommodate those unwelcome but essential
indoor games or sport halls. public facilities, such as columbarium or sewage treatment
services, which might be easier to earn public support.
6.4 Hong Kong has many drivers for cavern/underground
space development, including limited surface land for
development and for caverns in particular, hilly, steep
terrain and strong granitic and volcanic rocks which
provide excellent conditions to cavern development.
Indeed, Hong Kong has the potential as well as the need

32
Hong Kong 2030+ 32
 ``

Moreover, the high construction cost and future Opportunity for creating pleasant walking and cycling
maintenance of these cavern/ underground spaces, such environment should also be considered to help promote a
as the need for mechanical ventilation, lighting, etc as well sustainable lifestyle.
as the risk of flooding due to extreme rainfall and storm
6.7 Other issues such as urban farming, particularly
surges, particularly in coastal regions, should not be
recreational and community farming which are conducive
overlooked. More importantly, a clear policy is needed to
to the concepts of sustainability and green living in the
guide underground space development and administrative
urban context should be further explored. This issue will be
guidelines to deal with the technical and institutional
dealt with separately in another topical paper for the Hong
issues are necessary to make cavern/ underground space
Kong 2030+ Study.
developments possible. In this regard, further application
on the potential integration of multiple functions into a Smart and Green Planning and Design at Different
facility could be explored. Scales
6.8 In planning future new towns and districts, smart and
6.6 Moreover, in conducting a land use review and formulating
green planning and design should permeate different
preferred development options, consideration should be
scales of development, ranging from homes, buildings,
given to reshaping travel patterns in a bid to minimise
communities and district levels. It should permeate
vehicle-based commuting needs. Creation of more
different types of premises such as smart homes and
employment nodes in NDAs should be pursued to attain a
smart offices. Optimising opportunities for low-carbon
more balanced distribution of population and employment.
living and businesses at an early planning stage is an
Such a spatial planning mindset can help rectify the
important consideration.
current imbalance between home and job distributions,
thereby bringing jobs closer to homes to reduce 6.9 Opportunities for incorporating green and smart measures
cross-district trips and relieving traffic congestion in key should also be explored in retrofitting the existing buildings.
commuting transport corridors during peak periods. This The needs of an impending ageing society should also be
can in turn alleviate the requirement of substantial land addressed.
take for the construction of new transport infrastructure.

33
Hong Kong 2030+ 33
 ``

Promote Smart and Low Carbon Economy

6.10 Hong Kong is moving towards a knowledge economy.
Opportunities should be explored to capitalise on
innovation, technological advancement, and ICT
development to promote a smart and low carbon economy
including smart production iii3, smart products and smart
services.

iii
Industry 4.0 promotes smart manufacturing through the integration of a
software-intensive manufacturing system and process, big data and the Internet of
Things to form an intelligent and highly efficient network. To facilitate the upgrading
and transformation of Hong Kong industries to smart production, the Government
hopes to capitalise on the opportunities brought by technology development which
will not only increase labour productivity, lower production costs and raise our global
competitiveness, but create more quality and diversified employment for our young
people.

34
Hong Kong 2030+ 34
 COMMON SERVICES TUNNEL (CST) (MARINA BAY, SINGAPORE)

CST is an extensive custom-built underground network. CST The Singapore Government first announced its intention to build
not only allows easier maintenance and upgrading with minimal a CST for Marina Bay Area in 1998. Subsequently, two
disruptive and pollutive road excavation, it also requires a phases with a total contract sum of about SGD$200 million
smaller combined area, thereby allowing more systematic and covering a total length of 3km underground tunnel constructed.
organised planning of the underground space 46.
The tunnel caters for both commercial and residential buildings
within Marina Bay Financial Centre and One Raffles Quay as
well as Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort 47.

Cross Section of CST Interior of CST

Source: CEDD (Territory-wide Study on Underground Source: CEDD (Territory-wide Study on Underground
Space Development in the Urban Areas of Hong Kong)- Space Development in the Urban Areas of Hong Kong)-
http://www.undergroundspace.gov.hk/singapore.htm http://www.undergroundspace.gov.hk/singapore.htm

Hong Kong 2030+ 35

 MONTREAL UNDERGROUND CITY (MONTREAL, CANADA)

Montreal’s Underground City is an indoor pedestrian networks The extreme summer and winter weather in Montreal is a prime
extending for more than 32 km and covering an area of 12 motivation for the development. The indoor walkways create a
square km in the city’s downtown. It began beneath the climate-controlled space that is capable of overcoming local
Central Station complex, took off during the 1960s when Place temperatures. The underground city is more than a shopping
Ville-Marie, the city’s first modern skyscraper, was built. It mall as it is filled with permanent artworks. Every year and
grew organically over a period of more than 50 years. The during the Nuit blanche festival’s Art Souterrain event, these
underground network consists of tunnels, corridors and atriums spaces are turned into temporary art galleries.
linking 66 real estate complexes, approximately 80 percent of
downtown office space, 35 percent of retail space and 1,600
housing units.

Montreal Underground City

Source: CEDD (Territory-wide Study on Underground Space Development in the Urban Areas of Hong Kong) -
http://www.undergroundspace.gov.hk/montreal.htm

Hong Kong 2030+ 36

 Climatic Resilient Planning
6.11 In terms of climate resilient planning, the Urban Climatic
Map Study has recommended some planning and design
measures to improve urban climate. They are
considered effective ways to promote sustainability and
green living in the urban context. These measures
include (i) increasing greenery in the urban area by e.g.
extensive road side tree planting, green podium, low-level
green roofs and green walls, creating/preserving urban
green oases and establishing networks of connected
green corridors; (ii) reducing ground coverage through
minimising podium, setbacks along narrow streets,
arrangement of building layouts to increase permeability;
(iii) preserving/ creating breezeways/ air paths to promote
air ventilation; (iv) regulating building volume; (v)
increasing building permeability by promoting building
gaps and separations; and (vi) careful control of building
height e.g. adopt building height variation across districts
Figure 9 Urban Climatic Map
and decrease building height towards prevailing wind
direction to promote air movements.

Hong Kong 2030+ 37

 SMART MOBILITY

6.12 Hong Kong is a compact high-density city. The built-up 6.13 To promote smart mobility, we need to provide smart
areas make up only 24% of the total land area and transport infrastructure and undertake traffic management
accommodate 7.32 million population. The built-up area and operation. The application of appropriate ICT and
density of about 27,000 persons/km2 is one of the highest other technologies could help further promote smart city.
in the world. Good mobility is essential to support the
Transport Infrastructure
social, economic and land development in Hong Kong,
and ensuring good mobility in our compact high-density 6.14 Hong Kong has been successful in adopting an integrated
city is a major challenge: land use-transport-environment planning framework in
land development, with developments clustering around
 for instance, we have to keep 12.6 million passengers railway stations. We will continue to adopt this successful
moving on the public transport system every day, compact rail-based development model. With the 6 railway
including about 5 millions on MTR; lines targeted for completion by 2031 under the “Railway
 as a major regional transport and logistics hub, Hong Development Strategy 2014”, the total length of railways
Kong handled 325.7 million tonnes of inward and will increase to 300km. About 75% of the population and
outward cargoes last year. We have to ensure 85% of the employment will be within the railway
smooth movement of the cargo freight in the city; and catchment, enabling us to maintain 90% of the passenger
trips made by public transport. We will also need to
 the population living in new towns has increased from provide new highways to support new development
0.6 million in 1973 to 3.4 millions, supported by primarily in the northern New Territories and Lantau. The
efficient external road and rail links. focus will be on enhancing the regional transport
connectivity. The use of ICT can also help the planning,
operation, management and maintenance of the new/
improved infrastructure assets.

Hong Kong 2030+ 38

 6.15 Providing transport infrastructure also encompasses the vehicles can facilitate enforcement action against expired
promotion of multi-modal public transport and low carbon parking or automatic triggering of actions against those
options, walking and cycling, smart travel information for who occupy parking spaces in excess of a specified
better choice, an integrated intelligent transport system, duration, thereby deterring prolonged occupation of
and the expansion of the rail network to a rail-based/ parking spaces. When applied on the district level, the
transit oriented development mode that is supported by benefits can be further exemplified. Moreover, transport
other modes of public transport services, pedestrian infrastructure for facilitating universal accessibility (e.g. lifts
networks and/ or cycle tracks. In other words, we propose and escalators) should also be considered to promote
to underscore railway transportation as the backbone of smart mobility.
public transport.
Traffic Management and Operation
6.16 Underground parking spaces for both cars and bicycles 6.17 The average of annual growth rate of about 3% public
(including automated ones) can help achieve the aim of vehicle growth from 1995 to 2015, against about 0.8%
freeing up space at-grade, promote the concept of population growth and 1.7% domestic household growth,
“door–to-door parking” by locating the functional activities will not be sustainable in terms of road space, car parks,
below ground and increase the efficiency of parking. (See journey time and environmental footprint. Effective traffic
case study - Tokyo’s ECO-Cycle and ECO-Park). With ICT, management measures, particularly in managing private
availability of parking spaces, their locations and shortest car growth and use are vital. We also need to reshape the
route to the spaces can be centralised and easily shown, travel pattern and redeem the spatial distribution of homes
either on a signage or via mobile devices (e.g. mobile and jobs.
phones). Also, they enable parking location recording or
licence plate number searching, thereby expediting the 6.18 ICT could help integrate and upgrade the software of traffic
car-finding process. These can significantly reduce the management system to help further promote smart
time and distance travelled for searching parking space. mobility. Below are some examples:
Moreover, recognising the licence plates of parked

Hong Kong 2030+ 39

  an integrated intelligent transport system helps the integrated intelligent public transport system will
provide automatic traffic information and traffic control depend on the availability of real-time service data of
for managing real time traffic flow, pedestrian flow and different public transport modes and walking path data,
cargo flow. In terms of public transport, it provides which will require efforts from the Government as well
real-time service information of multiple modes of as public transport operators.
public transport, such as real-time crowdedness of
 A traffic adaptive control system can coordinate traffic
transport mean, in a single platform. The information
signals of several junctions in response to the traffic
includes arrival time of selected public transport
conditions so as to minimise the number of stops
system at a particular location, allowing travellers to
experienced by vehicles and the queue length as well
determine the preferred mode and route of public
as to reduce journey time. By means of closed
transport (See case studies - Strasbourg’s StrasMap
circuit television sets installed at the junctions,
and Traffic Information and Control System).
operators may centrally adjust the traffic signals to
Additional functions encompass calculation of the
cater for any special circumstances. In addition, the
shortest walking distance between the
operating conditions of the traffic signals can be
origins/destinations and public transport stations,
monitored remotely such that faulty traffic signals can
choosing suitable routes for wheelchair users and for
be repaired as soon as possible.
people with walking difficulty such as avoidance of
stairs on choosing the walking route, and locating and Other Considerations on Smart Mobility
reserving shared cars and electric vehicles (including 6.19 Other considerations of smart mobility such as walking,
reserving charging spots). All these features can allow cycling, car sharing, park-and-ride as well as means of
users to make informed decision and hence reducing green mobility are complementary to the rail-based public
the time spent on commuting trips. Dissemination of transport system.
real-time traffic information through the use of ICT and
sensors should be promoted. The implementation of

Hong Kong 2030+ 40

 6.20 Improving walkability is a key element for sustainable 6.21 The use of ICT with real-time travel and parking
cities. A comprehensive development of an integrated infrastructure will promote the convenience and
walkway system can help reducing reliance of the public attractiveness of the first-and-last-mile travel. Its use will
on road-based transport, which in turn alleviates the also enable inclusive mobility to facilitate mobility of the
demands put on the transport system and lessens the disadvantaged and the aged (e.g. elderly pedestrian
impact on the environment. Providing meticulously accentuated signal crossing facilities).
planned integrated walkway systems, particularly in NDAs,
can reduce the number of short motorised trips and the
conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. This will
increase mobility, enhance road safety and improve local
air quality, contributing positively to smart city
development.

Hong Kong 2030+ 41

 STRASMAP (STRASBOURG, FRANCE)

The StrasMap is an interactive map available online or as

downloadable smart phone application. It enables people to
access up-to-the-minute travel news and information covering
areas, including: (i) location finder and journey planners;
(ii) traffic information (congestion, accidents, construction,
temporary closure, etc); (iii) locations of bus stops, car sharing
platforms, bike parks and cycling networks and car parks;
(iv) air quality; (v) emergency contact, and (vi) social media
sharing platform. StrasMap
Source: strasmap.eu

ECO-CYCLE and ECO-PARK (TOKYO, JAPAN)

With an aim to reducing the amount of land used for

above-ground parking for both cars and bicycles, underground
storage facilities, ECO-Cycle and ECO-Park, are developed.
The facilities satisfy the concept of “door to door parking” by
providing parking space very close to destination, such as train
stations and offices. The press-in construction method saves
construction time and can be removed and reused for other
purposes when they are no longer needed.
ECO-Cycle near Tokyo’s Shinagawa station

Hong Kong 2030+ 42

 TRAFFIC INFORMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM (STRASBOURG, FRANCE)
Strasbourg is a good example to illustrate the trend towards Under the city’s transport management control system, tramway
smart mobility solutions by combining its traffic control is given first priority and commuting by tramway will not be
operations with an urban video-surveillance centre. It illustrates interrupted by traffic lights as they will be given priority to pass
how separate transport information are coordinated to increase through. Further priority will be given to bus, pedestrians and
operational efficiency and make cities more convenient and then car users.
attractive.
The city-wide surveillance system also performs pedestrian flow
The automatic traffic information and control system, called control function. Retractable bollards are situated in various
SIRAC, provides 24-hour, all year traffic and transport locations where pedestrian control is needed. In case of festive
management and overseas a range of services, including: events, the bollards will protrude from the ground for blocking
vehicles for driving into the controlled areas.
(i) real-time display of the system status and traffic situation;
(ii) real-time control of ground equipment;
(iii) traffic flow measurement and analysis;
(iv) access control to pedestrian areas;
(v) tram and bus priority; and
(vi) car park information and guidance, etc.

Trams at Strasbourg are given priority

Hong Kong 2030+ 43

 INTEGRATED SMART, GREEN AND RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM

Smart Use of Resources and Resilient Infrastructure through demand side management tools such as the
Considerations installation of monitoring and sensing equipment to collect
6.22 A holistic framework is needed for integrating network operation data, maintain the healthiness of the
considerations in planning for various infrastructure and water distribution network, and monitor water consumption
resources utilisation in pursuit of a smart, green and (e.g. smart meters) also plays a significant role in
resilient city development. optimising the use of water resources and enhancing the
security of freshwater supply.
Water Resources
6.23 Given the imminent crisis of water shortage, coupled with
the surging level of uncertainty on freshwater supply
associated with climate change, it is of utmost importance
to conserve water resources. A total water management
strategy with an integrated, multi-sectoral approach built
on good water demand and supply initiatives is crucial to
help promote sustainable use of water resources.

6.24 Apart from broadening the sources for freshwater supply

through latest desalination technology, such as reverse
osmosis iv, conservation of the freshwater resources

iv
The process of reverse osmosis enables extraction of potable water from
seawater with the use of membrane technology. It has become a mature desalination plants worldwide with a total water production capacity of more than
3 48
technology and is used in most of overseas desalination plants in recent years. 86,800,000m per day and reverse osmosis accounts for approximately 60 per
49
According to the International Desalination Association, there are over 18,000 cent of installed capacity .

Hong Kong 2030+ 44

 Drainage 6.26 Moreover, these can provide significant opportunities for
6.25 The traditional drainage methods including building rainwater harvesting for non-potable use and creation of
interception tunnels, upgrading rivers, installing storage wetland habitats, thereby enhancing the landscape and
tanks and upgrading pipe networks will continue to be ecological value of an area as well as developing flood
utilised to maintain the flood resistance of the drainage resilience and contributing to micro-climatic cooling. (See
system. With a plausible increase in the frequency and case study –Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area’s
severity of extreme rainfall events due to climate change, Revitalising River Channel)
our infrastructures (in particular drainage facilities) will
6.27 To promote an integrated green infrastructure, the concept
need to be flexible and responsive to these changing
of “Low Impact Development” or “SuDS” could be explored
environmental situations. These can be materialised
for urban development. It strives to minimise urban runoff
simultaneously by the utilisation of landscape and more
in development by utilising the green features in cities. It
blue-green infrastructure as a means for reduction of
emphasises maintaining infiltration, local water storage
surface runoffs, recharging of groundwater resources as
and local use of rainwater. Such green features include
well as filtration of pollutants and slowing down the flow of
porous pavements, green roofs, bioswales, rain gardens,
runoffs. Techniques available for deployment include
etc.
green channels, retention basins, constructed wetlands
and permeable surfaces. These can also serve as public
open space for leisure purpose in dry seasons. (See case
study – Denmark’s Musicon Stormwater Management
Basin and Skate Park at Roskilde)

Hong Kong 2030+ 45

 MUSICON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BASIN AND SKATE PARK (ROSKILDE, DENMARK)
Denmark is repeatedly hit by heavy rainstorms. To prevent in which rainwater is led down a long open channel to the first
flooded roads and houses, drainage system at Musicon in the basin. When the first pool has exceeded capacity, rainwater
Roskilde district of Denmark is one of the large scale drainage then proceeds to the second and third basins. The third basin
projects initiated by the Danish local governments. Unlike is designed to handle 10-year rain events. The entire complex
other projects, the new development is not only a stormwater can store up 23,000m3 of water and is fully integrated into the
drainage system, but also a recreational skate park 50. One of canal system and brings rainwater to the adjacent lake 51
.
the project’s targets is to handle all stormwater on the surface
and utilise the facilities for other purposes during dry weather. The Musicon case demonstrates how recreational use can be
The stormwater system will make the site at Musicon climate integrated with drainage basins. Such integration embeds
change resilient. multiple functions into a facility, making efficient use of the
drainage basins and channels and turning the facilities into
The system combines rainwater harvesting with an activity park. welcoming and acceptable use to the general public.
Three separate rainwater basins are used for collecting water,

Roskilde Skate Park

Hong Kong 2030+ 46

 REVITALISING RIVER CHANNEL (HUNG SHUI KIU NEW DEVELOPMENT AREA)
Sustainable strategies in respect of town planning, urban design, (3) Community farming
transport and green infrastructure have been incorporated in the Explore the development of community gardens in open
development of the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area space and amenity areas to promote green living.
(HSK NDA) to achieve efficiency, carbon emission reduction
and sustainable living. In this regard, natural river resources are
integrated with sustainable urban drainage, landscape design
and leisure/ recreational spaces. Major innovative measures
include:

(1) Retention lake

As a regulating measure to overall drainage system and as a
micro climate cooling mechanism through integrated design
with the open space system for public enjoyment.

(2) Regeneration of river channels

Revitalise the river channel system of the HSK NDA to
enhance the ecological system in the channel and introduce
riverside promenades with pedestrian walkways and cycle
tracks to inject vitality of the area. The regenerated river will
be the major green spines, breezeways and view corridors
which enable better integration between different Revitalising river channel - Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area
neighbourhoods and with the adjacent Tin Shui Wai New
Town.

Hong Kong 2030+ 47

 Sewage for re-use, sewage can also be utilised for energy
6.28 Traditionally, sewage is directed to sewage/ waste water production. Wastewater can be supplied to support algae
treatment works for processing and discharging into sea. growth, and the biomass obtained afterwards can be
Yet, under the mounting pressure of water scarcity, transformed to produce power, heat or cooling with the
sewage can be processed for further non-potable usage, water cleaned for usage. On the other hand, sewage
thereby saving the precious water resources. (See case heat pump has the potential to harness the energy in
study - Singapore’s Deep Tunnel Sewerage System and sewage for showers, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.
Changi Water Reclamation Plant) Apart from processing

DEEP TUNNEL SEWERAGE SYSTEM (DTSS) AND CHANGI WATER RECLAMATION PLANT (WRP) (SINGAPORE)

The two phases of DTSS is considered to be a solution to meet reclaimed water called “NEWater” v. Used water will undergo a
Singapore’s long term needs for used water collection, series of water treatment process in the WRP, including coarse
treatment and disposal. The concept of the DTSS is to use deep screening, sedimentation and purification. The treated water will
tunnel sewers to convey used water to centralised water or then be discharged through two deep sea outfall pipes or sent to
discharged to the sea through outfall. With the completion of the the NEWater Factory for further three stages purification
two phases of DTSS, the existing intermediate used water process to NEWater, viz. microfiltration, reserve osmosis and
pumping station and conventional WRPs can be freed up for UV disinfection.
other development.

Changi WRP is at the heart of DTSS Phase 1. It is situated on a v

NEWater is high-grade reclaimed water produced from the treated water that is
32 hectare of reclaimed land and can be expanded to handle an purified using advanced membrane technologies. This high-grade reclaimed water
reclamation plants (WRP) located at the coastal areas. The has passed more than 100,000 scientific tests and surpasses World Health
Organisation requirements. Since 2003, NEWater has been used mainly for industrial
used water is then treated and further purified into clean and air-con cooling purposes at wafer fabrication parks, industrial estates and
commercial buildings, freeing up large amounts of potable water for other uses. It
currently meets 30% of Singapore’s water needs and is expected to reach 55% by
2060.

Hong Kong 2030+ 48

 Waste Waste Collection and Sorting
6.29 Waste contributed to about 5.7% of the total GHG 6.30 Automatic Refuse Collection System (ARCS) is a system
emission in 2013 52. Given the limited capacity of the for transporting the waste via a network of underground
existing landfills, there is a need to address the waste pipes. Rubbish bins, the drop off point of the system, will
management challenges and develop a sustainable waste be connected via the pipes to the collection station where
management regime. The Government promulgated the waste are sealed in container for ensuing transportation
“Hong Kong Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources when the containers are full 53. Different technology
2013-2022” in May 2013 and the “A Food Waste & Yard (optical/ X-ray separation system, etc) will be installed for
Waste Plan for Hong Kong 2014 – 2022” in February 2014 sorting of various types of waste, enhancing the efficiency
to map out a comprehensive resource management of waste sorting vis-à-vis the traditional manual sorting
strategy with targets, policies and action plans for the system.
coming years up to 2022 with a view to promoting "Use
6.31 Alternatively, waste and recyclables can be collected
Less, Waste Less" mode of living. Aggressive targets have
through the “iceberg collection system” in which bins with
been set to reduce both the per capita disposal rate of
bulk of storage space hidden underground are utilised 54.
municipal solid waste (MSW) and landfill disposal of food
Such an additional storage can reduce the frequency of
waste by 40% by 2022. To achieve the above MSW and
collection. The bin can be easily lifted up and transported
food waste reduction targets and to maximise waste
by a standard “comb lift” vehicle. It can lower the
diversion from landfills, the Government has taken multiple
frequency of transportation of waste and recyclables by
and concurrent actions comprising policies and
road traffic. Smart Waste Management System can
legislations, social mobilisation and infrastructure provision.
enhance the efficiency of collection and separation and
Apart from these actions and measures, consideration
reduce the cost of doing so. A smart bin can compact
could be given to the discussion of the following two
waste and recyclables for more space within the bins with
categories – Waste Collection & Sorting and Waste
automatic notification for arranging cleaning contractors to
Treatment.
clear the bins. A smart tag can be applied on the bins.
Every time when the bins are emptied, the chip is scanned

Hong Kong 2030+ 49

 for recording the weight and contents of the waste and
recyclables, and utilised for charging the users. GPS
tracking of the vehicles for waste and recyclables
transportation can help devise the most efficient driving
routes for optimising the efficiency of waste and
recyclables collection.

6.32 The Government established the Steering Group on the

Modification of Recycling and Refuse Collection Facilities
in Public Places in February 2016. Taking into account the
objectives of facilitating waste reduction and resource
recovery, effective implementation of quantity-based
municipal solid waste charging, and balancing the need for
upholding environmental hygiene and cost-effectiveness in
the use of public resources, the Steering Group will review
existing situation regarding the provision of recycling and
refuse collection facilities in public spaces and recommend
necessary modifications.

Figure 10 Iceberg Collection System

Hong Kong 2030+ 50

 Waste Treatment September 2015. The study will identify additional
6.33 As for waste treatment, various techniques are available to strategic and regional waste facilities for bulk transfer and
reduce the volume of waste and convert the waste into treatment of solid waste to meet Hong Kong's long term
energy or other valuable resources. (See case study – needs up to 2041. It will explore a variety of issues,
Denmark’s waste-to-energy approach) For example, including technology choices of the additional waste
organic waste can be processed into agricultural fertiliser facilities. The additional waste facilities identified shall
via composting, biogas via anaerobic digestion and fish meet the following four broad objectives:
feed 55. Food waste and sewage sludge can be
 maximising resources recovery from waste;
co-digested for the production of biogas as a source of
 optimising synergy of waste management
renewable energy at sewage treatment plants with
technologies and land use;
anaerobic digestion facilities. In Hong Kong, the use of
 minimising disposal of untreated or unsorted solid
anaerobic digestion for biogas and power generation will
waste at landfills; and
offer the highest potential. Tallow and waste oil can be
 minimising the need of vehicular traffic for
further processed for production of biodiesel for use as a
transportation of waste.
source of renewable energy in transport and building.

6.34 Incineration involves combustion of waste with air.

Energy recovery is possible, and can take place in the
form of hot steam for electricity generation or district
heating, or a combination of two. Alternative thermal
treatment tends to reduce, if not completely eliminate, the
amount of oxygen, in the treatment process so as to turn
the waste into energy rich intermediates, which upon
further processing, can be used for recycling and energy
recovery. EPD has commenced a study for planning of
future waste management and transfer facilities in

Hong Kong 2030+ 51

 WASTE-TO-ENERGY APPROACH (COPENHAGEN, DENMARK)

Waste-to-energy plant forms an integral part of Denmark’s Apart from being an incineration plant, with a height of 85m, it
waste management system. About 29% of solid waste will also feature a ski slope on its roof top to offer a unique
generates in Denmark is treated at waste-to-energy plants per recreational amenity for the city residents to engage in alpine
annum. In 2013, the City Council of the five municipalities and sports activities, or simply enjoy a spectacular view of
(Copenhagen, Dragor, Frederiksberg, Hvidovre and Tarnby) Copenhagen. More than just production, Amager Bakke is
had decided to establish a new facility, namely “Amager Bakke” designed to create recreational amenities that help inspire the
(“Amager Hill”) in the outskirts of Copenhagen to replace the city residents to embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle.
adjacent old waste-incineration plant 56. Moreover, it represents a visionary approach to urbanisation of
the future, showcasing a model for global inspiration of how to
The plant burns waste collected from 500,000 – 700,000 integrate a green waste-to-energy plant with recreational urban
inhabitants and 46,000 companies in and around Copenhagen. space.
It is designed to utilise 100% energy content to the waste and
25% more energy will be recovered from the same amount of
waste than the existing plant. NOX emissions and sulphur
content of smoke will also be reduced by 85% and 99.5%
respectively. The new plant is expected to offset emission of
107,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year compared to a
conventional coal-fired plant.

Amager Bakke features a artificial ski slope

Source: Volund (Amagar Bakke) -
http://www.volund.dk/~/media/Downloads/Brochures_-_WTE/Amager_Ba
kke_-_Copenhagen_-_Denmark.pdf

Hong Kong 2030+ 52

 Energy 6.37 Ensuing are discussions of technologies in relation to
6.35 Nowadays, there is an imminent demand for a higher level energy production and consumption, namely generation
of energy efficiency, given the volatile energy price, call for and storage, transmission and distribution, demand
plummet in GHG emission as well as the aspiration for management tools as well as energy usage in the building
lessening the reliance on fossil fuels. In Hong Kong, aspect.
electricity generation accounted for 68.3% of the GHG
emission, the largest source of GHG emission in 2013 52.
Hence, energy sector plays a pivotal role in cutting GHG
emission, via enhancing energy efficiency and the use of
cleaner fuels including renewable energy.

6.36 Hong Kong’s existing buildings account for some 90% of

the total energy use 11. Hence, the building sector
represents the largest, most effective way for energy and
resources conservation. Through cutting back energy
usage at individual building, emission of GHG and other
pollutants can be tumbled while energy costs can also be
reduced. Furthermore, the level of resilience of buildings
to climate change and natural hazards can be
strengthened by certain building design elements and
ultimately enhance the well-being and comfort of the
inhabitants.

Hong Kong 2030+ 53

 Energy Generation 6.39 Other energy generation methods such as co-generation/
6.38 Distributed energy (DE) refers to the generation of tri-generation, i.e. simultaneous production of electricity
electricity by a variety of modular power-generating with the recovery of heat for cooling and heating, can also
facilities at the point of consumption, rather than at a provide another option for DE system.
centralised power plant. Renewable energy sources,
Transmission and Distribution
including wind and solar energy, can be leveraged in the
6.40 The use of ICT enables the sensing of voltage and current
DE system but it has to be equipped with some kind of
flow in the transmission system, by which the transmission
Energy Storage System (ESS). ESS technology can help
system itself can respond to the data to optimise its own
cater for the peak demand of electricity consumption and
performance for higher transmission efficiency.
reduce capital investment in generation facilities. In this
Automatic forecast and response to the attack of energy
regard, ESS technology is essential for the successful
system is also possible so that the energy system itself
development of DE. However, ESS technology is still
with a higher level of energy security can be ensured.
evolving at this stage. Germany, for example, is investing
Other infrastructure could be considered, like low
more resources in the development of more
impedance cables for better power flow control and fault
"space-efficient" storage facilities. Noting from current
current limiter to cap the amount of current flowing through
international studies, ESS may still need further research
the system during a fault. These render better quality
regarding how their cost-competitiveness could be
control on transmission and stability of electricity supply.
improved. Hence, their deployment levels are very
limited at this stage, and DE equipped with ESS is unlikely
a prevalent mode of DE system for the time being.

Hong Kong 2030+ 54

 Demand Management Tool higher level of precision, enhancing the level of energy
6.41 On this front, the installation of advanced metering security. Notwithstanding, pre-requisites such as an
infrastructure and smart display allows collection and established electricity market and institutional
measurement of data on energy usage as well as instant arrangements might need to be in place in order to realise
communication between consumer and utility grid in either the benefits.
an active or passive way. The former way of
communication would incur deliberate choices by
consumers to shift the electricity consumption pattern
while the latter one involves delegation of authority by
consumers to external entities for modifying the
consumption. In both ways, changes could be made to the
electricity use to lower the consumption during peak hours.

6.42 Smart grid is an electricity network that links up the power

stations, power grids and electricity users and uses ICT to
monitor and manage the transport of electricity from
various sources of generation to end-users 11. (See case
study – France’s smart grid at Fort d’Issy) Apart from the
incorporation of renewable energy and demand
management measures, one of the salient features is the
possibility of two-way energy flow instead of the one-way Figure 11 The New Headquarters of EMSD

electricity flow in the traditional grid network. Hence, Source: "A New Chapter, The Story of EMSD Headquarters" of EMSD -
surplus electricity from a building can be exported for sale http://www.emsd.gov.hk/minisites/new_hqs_commemorative_booklet/htm
_en/05/s07.htm
or usage to other buildings in a smart grid system. Also,
fault detection of the energy system can be achieved at a

Hong Kong 2030+ 55

 SMART GRID (FORT D’ISSY, FRANCE)

IssyGrid is the first pilot project for a district–level smart grid vi analysis centre via interconnected information systems, the
in France. Its goal is to enable the city’s inhabitants to save service provider is able to advise and encourage consumers to
money by pooling complementary energy needs and resources consume at “the right time” to reduce peak demands. In turn,
of offices, homes and businesses, and by levelling energy users can compare their consumption data with those of similar
consumption peaks 57. households and get advice on how to consume in a smarter
way.
IssyGrid covers renewable energy generation, consumption,
storage and overall optimisation. First, all types of energy
consumption are measured. Second, resources are put in
place for power generation (solar PV, cogeneration, etc) and
storage. Finally, energy generation/ consumption/ storage
systems are pooled and managed as an entity in order to
identify new ways to optimise energy use 58. Upon completion,
the smart grid will eventually cater for the needs of
approximately 2,000 homes, 5,000 inhabitants and 10,000
employees over a floor area of 160,000m2 of offices.

By gathering the live data using the smart meters installed in

concerned households which are connected to the city’s data

vi
A smart grid is an electricity transmission and distribution network with built in ICT
application. Smart meters are installed in each household to enable real-time meter Fort d’Issy
readings. Consumers are charged for their real consumption rather than estimates
based on annual use. It contributes to demand-side management, where consumers
can shift their electricity consumption to off-peak time to save money. The overall
effect is less redundancy in transmission and distribution lines, and greater utilisation
of generators, leading to lower power prices

Hong Kong 2030+ 56

 Building Design equipped with a back-up power sources so that they can
6.43 A vast array of smart building design elements is available return to the ground floors in the event of power outage 60.
for existing and new buildings. For example, installation
Building Operation
of exterior shading blocks, glazing of glass or the use of
6.45 Home Area Network is a network of information and
smart glass (a glass able to vary the light transmittance
communication formed by the appliances and devices
and thermal properties of windows, and adjust the sunlight
within a home or a building unit for supporting various
entering the buildings 59). Green roof can lower
household applications. Accompanied with smart grids
temperature rise, reduce energy consumption and
and other ICT, it enables multiple ways communication
minimise the runoff while installation of rainwater harvest
between devices and the users. Therefore, users can
system and water-saving devices can contribute to the
automate control, monitor consumption remotely and
conservation of water resources by collecting rainwater for
ensure that the system is operating efficiently so that
non-potable uses 60. All these can be incorporated in the
energy consumption can be minimised. Apart from the
design of a building. (See case study – France’s Green
connection between inhabitants and the system, a building
Office Meudon at Paris)
management system should be in place with sensors to
6.44 On the resilience front, buildings along the coastal area optimise the controls of energy consuming loads
should be specially designed to cope with extreme throughout the buildings, such as elevators, lighting,
hazards. First, the buildings should be raised to keep the heating, cooling, IT and security so energy consumption
water out during flooding. For further protection, the can be optimised. When most, if not all, buildings within a
ground floors of the buildings can be equipped with a flood city are connected with smart metering in a similar vein, a
gate and dedicated to uses that are less susceptible to city-wide integration platform can be forged.
flooding. Electrical and mechanical facilities should be
placed high in buildings, if not roof levels, for smooth
operation during hazards. Elevator systems should be

Hong Kong 2030+ 57

 GREEN OFFICE MEUDON (PARIS, FRANCE)

Green Office Meudon is the first large-scale positive-energy perceived temperature is even lower than the maximum local
office building in France to showcase a new generation of temperature.
positive-energy buildings 61. The building is “green” because it
produces more renewable energy than it consumes for its Apart from the smart and green features, Green Office Meudon
operation on an annual basis. has incorporated the first Energy Performance Contract (EPC)
signed with private partner. Under the nine-year contract,
To achieve this, it puts together different technologies and building operator undertakes to guarantee the owner all the
features in energy generation and consumption, building design operating and maintenance costs, as well as energy
and management, and transport facilities. A notable example consumption and production levels, in accordance with
is the full integration of solar power generation devices with the predefined conditions of use and occupancy. To assist with
office building, including the roof, skylight, façade, blinds and the EPC management and green lease, a special software is
car park shelters. The annual energy production from these designed to analyse the building’s energy production and
device totals 490,000kWh and is sold in full to the lease holder. consumption in real time in terms of use and location.

Another example is the bioclimatic design of the building, which

is centred around the natural ventilation to eliminate the need
for energy-intensive air-conditioning and take advantage of the
weather outside to optimise the inside temperature. Priority is
given to passive systems, including automated vents on the
façades, no false ceilings in order to benefit from the thermal
inertia of the concrete structure, automated external sun shades,
etc. With its natural ventilation system, the office building is
able to offer occupants a comfortable summer environment
without using an active air-conditioning system, as the

Hong Kong 2030+ 58

 6.46 Various sources of renewable energy, including solar and 6.48 More importantly, data from multiple sources is almost
wind energy, can be leveraged for energy production in always more valuable than sources that are kept in
buildings. For example, photovoltaic cells and wind isolation. Leveraging on advanced ICT allows people, data
turbines can be installed or mounted to buildings. Excess and processes to connect real-time to facilitate more
electricity can be exported to the grid if possible. This efficient and smarter use of existing resources for higher
can lessen the reliance on fossil fuel on electricity performance.
generation and energy for electricity transmission.
6.49 In term of spatial data, the Common Spatial Data
Energy generation from other sources such as bio-fuel are
Infrastructure (CSDI) aims to integrate relevant spatial
also possible. Meanwhile, a significant portion of energy
data available in the Government. A consultancy study has
is lost in the form of heat during the energy generation
been commissioned to formulate an effective CSDI
process. Co-generation and tri-generation capitalises on
development strategy for Hong Kong. Alongside with the
the heat energy with the use of numerous heat-exchange
study, the institutional arrangement, data standards and
measures to enhance the energy efficiency level from
spatially related applications based on the respective
about 40% to 80% vii .
areas of work will be reviewed.
Digital Infrastructure and Data
Green Transport Infrastructure
6.47 The inclusion of proper digital infrastructure would impact
6.50 Green transport infrastructure should be an in-built
on the spatial planning of a city. Such elements could
element of city development. This includes the provision of
include sensor networks, network (wired/ wireless)
environmentally friendly transport and the deployment of
connectivity and resilience, internet-ready infrastructure,
electric, or even driverless vehicles viii or autonomous
and data sharing architecture, data storage, data centres,
vehicles (AVs), the infrastructure for charging electricity for
etc.
vehicles and integration with the public transportation
network.

viii
The deployment of driverless vehicles should be subject to further demonstration
vii
The energy efficiency of co-/tri-generation would depend on the energy end use of that road safety can be maintained in the context of the traffic conditions in Hong
the installation (i.e. how the thermal energy is utilised) Kong.

Hong Kong 2030+ 59

 Resilient Infrastructure
6.51 Various issues of resilient infrastructure to climate change
and natural hazards have been discussed in the preceding
paragraphs. They should be a key consideration at an
early planning stage. The major initiatives are proposed
below:

 develop sustainable drainage system and flood

protection (see case study: Happy Valley
Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme);

 retrofit city infrastructure to address climate change;

 extend the general lifespan of our existing buildings,

possibly through building conversion and retrofitting
works;

 promote climatic defensive and hazard proof

infrastructure with due consideration to their locations,
potential for co-location, design and operation
requirements; and

 ensure appropriate siting of critical facilities and

infrastructure to enhance resilience towards extreme
weather conditions.

Hong Kong 2030+ 60

 HAPPY VALLEY UNDERGROUND STORMWATER STORAGE SCHEME (HVUSS)

In a busy and densely populated area, there are limitations in arrangement, the design capacity of the storage tank can be
carrying out extensive upsizing of the existing drains, which reduced by as much as 30% and ultimately helps achieve
would also involve extensive road opening works. To avoid
sustainable development by minimising the amount of
causing serious disruption to the public and minimising
excavation for construction and total construction time.
complicated diversion of the congested underground utilities, an
underground storage tank could be a good solution to the
flooding problem.

In order to alleviate the flooding problem in Wan Chai and

Happy Valley district, DSD has constructed an underground
stormwater storage tank underneath the Recreation Ground at
the infield of Happy Valley racecourse. This underground
storage tank will temporarily store part of the stormwater
collected from the upstream catchment for attenuating the peak
flow through the downstream stormwater drainage systems after
heavy rainstorms. The stormwater will be discharged via pump
and gravity drains to the outfall and thus greatly reduces the risk
of flooding in the low-lying area.

HVUSS is Hong Kong’s first application of “Movable Crest Weir”

system with “Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition Illustrations for HVUSS
(SCADA)” to collect the excessive stormwater more effectively Source: DSD (HVUSS) - http://hvusss.eksx.com/index.php
and hence resulting in a smaller size storage tank. Under this

Hong Kong 2030+ 61

 7 FUTURE DIRECTIONS
7.1 The signing of the Paris Agreement in 2016
signified a collaborative international
commitment to combat climate change. As a
global city upholding its environmental
stewardship, Hong Kong should better prepare
for or even take a lead in embracing the urban
challenges of the 21st century. A city strategy
on the SGR principles is instrumental to
achieving this.

7.2 To help creating capacity for sustainable

growth, which is one of the building blocks
proposed under Hong Kong 2030+, a smart,
green and resilient city is proposed. It focuses
on the scope that are relevant to land use
planning, mobility and infrastructure in the built
environment and is particularly applicable to
new development areas and new
neighbourhoods where comprehensive
planning is more feasible.

Hong Kong 2030+ 62

 Figure 12 General Smart, Green and Resilient City Framework for the Built Environment

Hong Kong 2030+ 63

 General Guiding Framework

7.3 The SGR city strategy embraces the proposed key approaches, key principles, governance, tools and benchmarks for promoting
smart, green and resilient city development in Hong Kong. In gist, it aims to minimise demand for and use of resources,
promote low-carbon smart economy and living, reduce carbon emissions, enhance city efficiency, promote business productivity,
improve quality of urban living and enhance climate resilience. It is to be supported by a CSDI and a robust network of ICT. It
calls for an innovative, vigilant, adaptive and forward looking mindset that permeates all levels, aspects and stages of planning
and development. Most importantly, in order to fully capitalise on the of advantages of the SGR initiatives, behavioural change of
the people is essential. People should be prepared to embrace a more smart, green and resilient lifestyle and this can be done
through empowering the community with the necessary tools and demonstrating the benefits and feasibility of the SGR
measusres.

KEY APPROACHES

Miminisation: to minimise the demand for resources in the Adaptation: to undertake appropriate adjustment measures to
course of development and the impacts of development on the deal with any anticipated unavoidable impacts.
natural environment, which is conducive to creating capacity for
sustainable growth. Resilience: the need to prepare and enhance the
responsiveness of our city in tackling urban problems, climate
Mitigation: to mitigate any adverse impacts of development. change and hazards as well as the ability to cope and absorb
stresses and maintain functional operation.

Hong Kong 2030+ 64

 KEY PRINCIPLES

In order to maintain development without compromising the Green Principles: include the internationally accepted multi-tier
standard of living, cities need to look for ways to use their resource management strategy (i.e. the 4R principles of reduce,
resources more efficiently. The smart, green and resilient reuse, recycle and replace), and promote environmentally
principles should be adhered to in developing future new towns/ friendly and low carbon footprint development. Moreover, timely
neighbourhoods/ districts. provision of resource management initiatives/facilities that
support waste minimisation and recycling, such as EcoPark and
Smart Principles: include optimise use of resources and two community green stations, is equally essential.
major principles as set out in Boyd Cohen’s Smart City
Framework, namely smart mobility (mixed-modal access, Resilient Principles: include the qualities of reflective, robust,
prioritised clean and non-motorised options and integrated ICT) redundant, flexible, resourceful, inclusive and integrated as put
and smart environment (green buildings, green energy and forward in the Rockefeller Foundation’s City Resilience
green urban planning). Framework. These resilient principles should be treated as
close companion with the concept of sustainability in shaping
the future planning and daily management of the cities. In
particular, resilient principles should work within the context of
long-term sustainability objectives, while maintaining an
acceptable stability or equilibrium in spite of the turbulence of
daily life.

Hong Kong 2030+ 65

 GOVERNANCE/INSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM

The development of a SGR city requires concerted efforts of

many actors, and hence an efficient and sufficient institution
with a cross-sector collaboration approach is necessary to
promote co-ordination for cross-cutting issues, such as
integrated land use and transport planning and integrated smart,
green and resilient infrastructure projects.

To bring out the full effectiveness and efficiency of these SGR

measures and to facilitate these innovative ideas to flourish and
turn into implementable projects, the institutional policy should
foster balanced participatory governance between the
government, business, research and development, and the
public.

Hong Kong 2030+ 66

 TOOLS
In the pursuit of SGR city, advanced technologies would need to further strengthen its performance in pursing different spheres
be deployed through the development of advanced of smart city development. To establish an integrated and
infrastructure, system network and data platform. Through well-coordinated ICT platform to manage the development and
leveraging on advanced ICT which brings together data to operation of our built environment, various ICT measures
connect real-time, higher performance is ensured. More should be incorporated as early as possible during the strategic
importantly, the provision of an environment with accessible planning process. In this regard, the NDAs would provide
information and communication would enable both policy good opportunities for the development and application of an
makers and the community to make informed decisions for integrated ICT tool . On a territorial level, opportunity could be
more efficient operation and optimal use of resources. explored to promulgate spatial data policies and standards
forming a sustainable, reliable, interoperable and sharable
Benefiting from the robust ICT infrastructure network and “CSDI”and to step up the overall management and
leveraging on its compact built environment that is underpinned dissemination of spatial data enabling the effective and efficient
by a complex web of infrastructural and operational systems utilisation of spatial data essential to sustainable planning and
supporting various functions, Hong Kong has the potential to development.

BENCHMARKS

To assess the overall value creation and impact associated with Moreover, to track performance, objective benchmarks will be
every stage of a development, from cradle to grave, can ensure useful. In terms of green building initiatives, for example, such
both the cost and benefits of the developments are fully taken benchmarking systems as BEAM Plus can be used to gauge the
into account. performance and promote a sustainable built environment.

Hong Kong 2030+ 67

 7.4 The proposed SGR city strategy is proposed for application in territorial planning and planning of the new development areas/
neighbourhoods/ districts, as well as retrofitting/ redevelopment of the densely developed areas, with focuses on the following
aspects, namely promoting sustainable land use planning and urban design, fostering smart mobility and devising an
integrated smart, green and resilient infrastructure system.

Applying the SGR City Strategy in territorial planning, planning

ofObserving the General
the new development SGR City Framework
areas/ neighborhoods/ districts, and
retrofitting the densely developed areas

Devising an
Promoting Integrated Smart,
Sustainable Land Fostering Green and
Use Planning and Smart Mobility Resilient
Urban Design Infrastructure
System

Hong Kong 2030+ 68

 KEY FEATURES

 Optimise opportunities for low-carbon living and business at an early planning stage for NDAs
and comprehensive redevelopment areas

Minimise  Promote comprehensive mix-use developments for better synergy

Demand for and  Optimise the use of scarce land resources (e.g. cavern/ underground space developments,
brownfield sites and land use reviews)
Use of Land
 Bring jobs closer to homes to reduce/ shorten trips
Resources  Concentrate population and economic activities within walkable distance of public transport
stations and nodes to reduce the need for commuting and private car trips
 Integrate recreational and community farming into the built environment

Promoting
Sustainable Land
Use Planning and  Smart homes and smart living
Smart and
Urban Design  Incorporate smart measures for ageing in place more safely with greater independence
Green Planning
 Promote smart and green measures in new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings for
and Design at various uses
Different Scales  Promote the development of smart and green communities/ districts for incorporating various
SGR measures

Hong Kong 2030+ 69

  Further utilise innovation and technology and ICT for smart production and development of
Promote Low smart products and services, and improving work process
 Create a supportive tech-ecosystem with sufficient land and space at strategic locations to
Carbon
promote the growth of innovation and technology
Economy
 Make use of prototypes to demonstrate the positive impacts of the new technologies to
facilitate further refinement

 Create robust, green and resilient communal facilities (e.g. community green stations and
recreational and community farming in public parks/ amenity areas)
 Promote urban greenery (including the provisioning of urban green space with the use of
native trees and other plants), blue spaces and nature conservation to enhance biodiversity
Promote Climate
Promoting  Develop urban design and greening measures to improve air ventilation conditions and
Resilient reduce heat island effect at the early stage of the strategic planning process
Sustainable Land Planning  Integrate environmental and urban climatic consideration in planning and building design
Use Planning and
 Explore the multiple uses of public space for resilience purposes (e.g. emergency assembly
Urban Design points, city cleansing, stormwater retention, etc)
 Integrate green buildings, green neighbourhood and green infrastructure initiatives in planning

Hong Kong 2030+ 70

  Promote a rail-based and multi-modal public transportation network with emphasis on green
mobility
 Expand rail options and services to formulate a resilient transport network system that is
capable of accommodating disruption and changing circumstances
Transport
 Enhance walkability, age-friendly/ inclusive pedestrian space, easily accessible daily
Infrastructure necessities and direct links to transport nodes

 Foster a cycle-friendly environment through comprehensive cycling network with supporting

facilities such as underground cycle parking areas and cycle sharing facilities
 Foster a seamless integration of walking, cycling and public transport system

 Promote an integrated intelligent transport system in a single platform for managing real time
Fostering traffic flow, pedestrian flow and cargo flow
Smart Transport  Encourage a traffic adaptive control system
Mobility Management
 Disseminate real time traffic information through the use of ICT and sensors
and Operation
 Promote walking, cycling and feeder services to facilitate first and last mile travel
 Promote inclusive mobility for the aged and the disadvantaged

Hong Kong 2030+ 71

  Promote energy saving, land saving, and synergy between different infrastructures (e.g.
effluent reuse, waste-to-energy approach)
 Promote sustainable urban drainage
Integrated Smart
 Promote smart waste management
and Green
 Enhance total water management (i.e. contain growth of water demand through water
Infrastructure conservation and smart network management and strengthen water supply by developing
new water sources such as desalinated water, treated sewage effluent or recycled water from
grey water and rainwater harvesting)
 Foster the development of ICT Platform for a smart city

Devising an
Integrated  Sustainable drainage system and flood protection system

Smart, Green  Retrofit city infrastructure (e.g. drainage and stormwater retention facilities, blue-green
Resilient infrastructures, transport system, etc) to address climate change
and Resilient
Infrastructure  Promote climatic defensive and hazard proof infrastructure with due consideration to their
Infrastructure locations, potential for co-location, design and operation requirements
Consideration
System  Ensure appropriate siting of critical facilities and infrastructure (e.g. hospitals, major transport
routes and utility pipelines) to enhance resilience towards extreme weather conditions and
other hazards

Hong Kong 2030+ 72

 7.5 Above all, the concept of“smart, green and resilient” 7.6 Major new developments, for example: Anderson Road
must be embedded in the strategic planning process so as Quarry Site, HSK NDA, the New Territories North
to formulate a holistic approach for an integrated land use development and CBD2 in Kowloon East, for example, are
and infrastructure planning. In this regard, an integrated planned with smart, green and resilient measures. Elements
smart and green infrastructure system that strategically of these initiatives, in particular on infrastructure provisions,
links up network of physical infrastructure such as are interrelated and should be progressively applied to the
integrated waste management, sustainable urban drainage planning of the NDAs, comprehensive redevelopment areas
and flood protection, total water resources management, or even the whole city.
etc is crucial to achieving more efficient use of resources. It
should be incorporated as appropriate into the future
planning of our city.

Figure 13 Integrated Smart and Green Infrastructure System Figure 14 Integrating SGR Initiatives into Major New Developments

Hong Kong 2030+ 73

 8 CONCLUDING REMARKS
8.1 In face of the changing local context, we need a new urban development strategy that can accommodate growth, enhance
liveability and strengthen the overall competitiveness of Hong Kong as a global city. Technology and innovation play an
important role and enable a new era of city development. Having said that, from a strategic planning perspective, a SGR city
strategy for Hong Kong must go beyond the realm of technological development. It should be a holistic strategy which
involves a better design and application of both hardware and software. The implementation of the strategy would require
constant monitoring and updating. More importantly, as a part of the initiatives to promote innovation and technology in Hong
Kong, the development and implementation of such strategy should permeate all levels of the built environment to facilitate
urban innovations which enable us to capitalise on the full potential of our city.

8.2 A SGR city would also require concerted efforts of many actors. The Pilot Project at Kowloon East and the upcoming NDAs
provide a good test-bed in Hong Kong to identify specific measures that are feasible to be undertaken in our unique urban
setting and more importantly to nurture the supportive culture and institutional set up.

8.3 Finally, to promote better quality living, people should be prepared to adapt to a more SGR lifestyle and behavioural change
would be necessary. For instance, while intelligent transport system can provide real-time information to enhance integration
of different modes of transport, wider use of public transport, cycling or walking would require the willingness of people to adopt
a green lifestyle and be more prepared in face of climate change and hazard situations. Collaborative and concerted efforts of
the public and private sectors as well as individuals would be essential in pursuit of a smart, green and resilient city in Hong
Kong.

Hong Kong 2030+ 74

 ENDNOTES

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 Planning Department

Hong Kong 2030+ 81